Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The Headies, Nigeria’s biggest music award, is set to return home with the hosting of two separate editions of the annual show in 2025, its organisers have said. In a video shared on Headie’s X page, Ayo Animashuan, founder of The Headies, said the 17th edition of the award would take place on April 5, focusing on the music of 2024. He also revealed that the nominations list for this 17th edition will be released on February 12,and the 18th edition would take place in December, celebrating music from 2024 and 2025 respectively. He said: “This awards that is happening…
Nigerian workers have announced February 4, 2025, as the date to embark on a nationwide protest against the 50 percent telecommunications services tariff hike in the country. The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. This comes as the Nigerian Communications Commission on January 20, 2025, announced the approval for telecom companies to hike services tariffs by 50 percent. The approval has sparked a wide tide of rejection by Nigerians, including the NLC. In an update to press home their opposition against the telecom tariff hike, the NLC vowed to shut down the country through a…
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has expelled Rauf Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, over alleged anti-party activities. Aregbesola, who led Osun State for two terms, was accused of breaching Article 21 of the APC Constitution, which outlines disciplinary measures for members. His expulsion was confirmed in an official letter from the party leadership. The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” and signed jointly by Tajudeen Lawal, State Chairman, and Alao Olabisi Kamoru, Secretary, stated that the decision followed an investigation and approval by the State Executive…
There was chaos at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday when supporters of Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the party, and those of Udeh Okoye, who is also laying claim to the office of the national secretary, clashed during the party’s Board of Trustees meeting. The BoT meeting was presided over by the chairman, Adolphus Wabara, and it was attended by other prominent members including the acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagun; ex-Niger governor, Babangida Aliyu; ex-Kaduna governor, Ahmed Markafi; and ex-Jigawa governor, Sule Lamido. The BoT, being the…
The Kano State Airport has temporarily closed its runway for inspection and clearance after a Max Air plane suffered a tyre burst while landing. The incident on Tuesday night led to flight disruptions, though all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries. After the incident, it was gathered that the airline announced this on their official X account on Wednesday morning. “As a result, the Kano runway will remain temporarily closed for inspection and clearance, which may lead to delays in flight operations today, Wednesday, 29/01/2024. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we…
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Wednesday officially recognized the exit of three of its former members: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic. The trio’s exit became effective on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, upon the expiration of a one-year notice period. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity, ECOWAS asked its member countries to still recognize the national passports of the three countries bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice. A statement by the ECOWAS Authority said its doors remain open for more engagements with the three countries, requesting its member states to recognize national passports and…
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after participating in the Africa heads of state energy summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The president departed Nigeria on Sunday to participate in the summit between January 27 and 28. Earlier, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, said African leaders, the private sector, development partners, and civil society groups would discuss ways to accelerate energy access across the continent during the summit. The summit was hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank. Tinubu, who arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja…
As President Donald Trump continues his crackdown on illegal immigrants in the US, about 3,690 Nigerians have been listed for deportation. This was contained in a document compiled by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations released on Tuesday. The agency stated that the data was broken down according to nationality and the number of people faced with deportation. According to the document, Mexico and Nicaragua top the list of nations with massive deportation, with 252,044 and 45,955 illegal immigrants expected to be deported soon. Recall that hundreds of migrants were arrested last week while others flew…
The Katsina State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) on Tuesday declared the withdrawal of nurses and midwives working in the hospitals located along the Frontline and vulnerable areas in the state. The Chairman of the association, Nura Mu’azu made the declaration during a press briefing held at the State Council Secretariat with the title: “Health Worker You Are On Your Own”. According to him, the threat is effective from Thursday 30th January 2025 by midnight until the needful is done. The briefing is coming 14 days after gunmen abducted one of the association’s members,…
Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of paying opposition leaders N50 million each to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process. Atiku disclosed this at a national conference on strengthening democracy, organized by various civic organizations in Abuja on Monday. He, however, cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk of collapse if urgent action wasn’t taken. According to Atiku: “I want to say it here publicly. I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each. “If we are not…